Four Vanuatu government ministers were guests at the opening of the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) Bible Conference, held June 25-29.
Guest speaker at the opening was Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ralph Regenvanu. Home Affairs Minister Andrew Napuat, Lands, Geology and Mines Minister Alfred Maoh and Youth and Sports Minister Simeon Seule were also present.
Held every five years, the conference was attended by about 200 pastors from the 10 countries of the TPUM. It is the first time it has been held outside of Fiji.
The conference is designed to keep pastors up to date with theological issues and to support them in their work. This year’s theme was Orthotomeo, which is Greek for “rightly dividing” or “guide along a straight path”.
The event was held at the Epauto Multi-Purpose Centre and featured 21 sessions, including topics such as Bible Hermeneutics, Preaching from the Gospels and Biblical Spirituality. Most of the presenters were from Andrews University.
TPUM president Pastor Maveni Kaufononga said the pastors felt it was the best Bible conference they had attended. He said the presenters were excellent and Vanuatu did a great job in hosting the event.
Dr Jiri Moskala, dean and Old Testament professor at Andrews University Seminary, expressed his delight at being involved in the conference.
“The Bible Conference was indeed one of the highlights in my life,” he said. “It was unique and we were all very blessed. [There was ] excellent comradery and collaboration. The Word of God and Christ were shining. Thank you for the joy of being part of this conference.”
